Thorpe sworn in as new deputy fire chief in Biddeford

BIDDEFORD – Kenneth Thorpe, a career firefighter with more than 35 years of experience, was sworn in as deputy fire chief during Tuesday’s city council meeting.

The council chamber was packed with dozens of firefighters from the surrounding area, and Thorpe received a standing ovation from the mayor and members of the city council.

Thorpe has been a member of the city’s fire department since 2004. He previously worked in both Gorham and Windham. He also worked many years as a private firefighter at the SAPPI paper mill in Westbrook.

According to Fire Chief Scott Gagne, Thorpe’s appointment was not a simple transfer of positions. The previous deputy chief, Kevin Duross, left his position for a new job in Scarborough.

“We didn’t just flip a switch,” Gagne explained. “There was a detailed and comprehensive review process that included internal and external interviews by a seven-member hiring committee.”

Gagne said that review committee was made up of both firefighters and city administrators.

Immediately following the ceremony, Thorpe said he was both humbled and honored by his appointment.

“It really does take a village,” he said. “I didn’t get to this position on my own. I’ve been lucky to work with some of the best people you could hope to work with.”

Mayor Alan Casavant reminded the audience that the city’s firefighters often go unrecognized until there is an emergency.

“Those of us who live and work in Biddeford are lucky,” Casavant said. “The Biddeford Fire Department is an exceptional organization. It’s really important to recognize the department’s outstanding staff because all too often their work and commitment to our city goes under the radar.”

Randy Seaver can be contacted at randy@randyseaver.com